19 additional multinational clinical trials were authorised, and 40.5% of trials recruited participants within 200 days.
The European Commission (EC), Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have published the first progress report on the EU’s 2030 clinical trial targets. The initiative is designed to strengthen Europe’s position as a leading hub for clinical research while accelerating patient access to innovative medicines and therapies.
The report highlights encouraging early progress in the EU clinical trial landscape. Between January and March 2026, the EU authorised 19 additional multinational clinical trials above the historical average, supporting the long-term goal of achieving 500 extra multinational trials by 2030.
Clinical trial recruitment timelines are also improving across Europe. Currently, 40.5% of clinical trials recruit participants within 200 days of application submission, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline clinical trial processes and regulatory timelines within the EU.
These clinical trial targets are aligned with the proposed EU Biotech Act and supported by initiatives such as FAST-EU, which focuses on accelerating multinational clinical trial evaluations across EU member states.
The introduction of quarterly reporting marks an important step toward greater transparency, regulatory efficiency, and accountability in the European clinical research ecosystem. The initiative further reinforces the EU’s commitment to becoming a more competitive and attractive destination for high-quality clinical trials and pharmaceutical innovation.
